Investigation continues into cause of house fire

September 18, 2012

At about 1:28 a.m., Monday, Cape police were dispatched to a residential structure fire at 410 S.W. 42nd Terrace. Officers arrived on scene to find flames coming out of the roof, extending 30 feet to 40 feet into the sky.

A woman reported that she was driving down the road when she saw the flames. She realized that no fire crews were on scene and called 911.

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Michael PistellaLocal and state officials continue to investigate a fire that caused $150,000 damage to Cape Coral home early Monday morning.

The woman and another person tried to notify neighbors of the fire, the report states. They noted that the garage door was open at the time.

Neither witness could be reached for comment Tuesday.

"The structure is a total loss," said Battalion Chief Alan Carter of the Cape Coral Fire Department.

He estimated the damage at $150,000, including house and contents.

Investigators are continuing to determine the cause of the fire.

"It's deemed as undetermined right now until the samples come back from the lab in about two weeks," Carter said.

The State Fire Marshal's Office is assisting with the investigation.

At the time of the fire, the residence was unoccupied.

"We're still trying to reach the owner," Carter said.

According to county records, Richard Taddeo is the owner of the home.

The report lists Taddeo, 59, who is an electrician, as a victim.

Deborah Jamison, a spokeswoman for the State Fire Marshal's Office, explained that investigators are seeking any information on the fire.

"We're asking for the public's help in this case," she said, adding that the possibility of arson "has not been ruled out at this point."

Anyone with information can contact the State Fire Marshal's Office, and remain anonymous, at its tip line at (877) 662-7766. If the tip leads to an arrest related to arson, the caller is eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.